Today
in Bloomington
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Civic Solver, a five-question news quiz, challenges Bloomington readers with questions reviewing community news from the week ending May 16. Previous editions have connected locals with puzzles highlighting the city’s updates. The B Square Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University revealed Bloomington native Abbey Armstrong as the first student to portray Hoosier the Bison mascot on May 17 — following an undefeated season and the enactment of the Bring Back the Bison Act, Armstrong called the role a dream come true. The Herald-Times
- ➤ IU researcher Youhuang Xiang received an improperly labeled package with biological material, was charged and deported, and his lab now faces temporary closures—delaying plant biology projects as federal authorities continue their USDA investigation, which has raised concerns among international researchers. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Indiana Public Media in Bloomington notified 18 employees of layoffs due to state and federal funding cuts; full-time staff were informed while part-time notifications may continue through the week, with changes set to take effect on July 15 to protect the station's core services. Indiana Daily Student
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington local Liz Irwin, a Duke Energy spokeswoman, drives her 1974 Bronco near Scenic View restaurant on Ind. 446 for brunch even though a gas leak has delayed her planned scenic cruise. She will repair the leak soon so she can enjoy summer drives (she calls her ride American Beauty). The Herald-Times
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A report from The B Square details Monroe County property transfers from March 23 to May 12, 2026 (data from Beacon) and lists buyers, sellers, and sale prices from various transactions. The report is published every Sunday. The B Square Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana baseball finished a challenging season by winning their final series against Illinois at Bart Kaufman Field — snapping a five-game slump with timely hits and a grand slam from Cal Gates. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington North’s girls tennis team, led by players Casey O’Connell & Sarah Kaviani, is preparing for sectional play at Bloomington South starting Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. The draw has North taking on Owen Valley while other matchups set the stage for semifinals and the title match on Thursday. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Local senior track athletes gear up as the IHSAA sectionals begin Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Bloomington South. Field and relay events will determine which competitors advance to the Regional meet on May 26. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana track and field started its postseason at the Big Ten Outdoor Championship in Lincoln, Nebraska last weekend and finished 13th for the men and 16th for the women. The team now looks ahead to the NCAA East Prelims in Lexington, Kentucky from May 27 to 30. Indiana Daily Student
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Case Oats Album Release Concert
8 PM - 12 AM — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience the debut album of Case Oats, a blend of alt-country and folk from Chicago's rising star Henry True.
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Sounds From the Black Hole featuring Bubba Fontaine and Byrdman
5:30-8 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $10 + food/drink purchase required — Experience live experimental music from talented local artists.
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One Step Above Annual Dance Performance
6:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of diverse dance styles showcased by local kids, including a special dad routine.
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Pinball League and Trivia Night
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Food or drink purchase required — Compete in a pinball tournament and test your trivia skills for a chance to win gift certificates.
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Joe Jordan Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket info available online — Experience the smooth vocals and rich R&B sounds of Joe Jordan live.
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The Goonies | 15 Years, 15 Hits
4 PM — Indiana University Cinema — Ticket info not provided — Experience an epic adventure with a classic treasure hunt as the Goonies embark on a thrilling quest.
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Strawberry Shortcake Festival
All day — Switchyard Park Pavilion — $9 Strawberry Shortcakes and $5 Hot Dog Specials — Indulge in sweet treats and family-friendly fun at this local festival.
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Tales of Ambergrove at Nexus Convergence
10 AM - 6 PM — Bloomington Convention Center — Free entry — Explore video games, TTRPGs, and unique vendors at this exciting game-themed convention.
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Greg Mendez at The Bishop
9-11 p.m. — The Bishop — 18+ — Experience the poignant alt-pop sounds of Greg Mendez with tracks from his latest album, 'Beauty Land'.
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Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival 2026
June 17-20 — Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground — Tickets sold separately — Experience top bluegrass performances with legendary artists and local talent.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
~ Albert Einstein
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